CN104246361B - Apparatus and method for the time division multiplexing switchable optical elements of controllable lighting - Google Patents

Abstract

Disclose for electric control lighting apparatus to change the method and apparatus of its outward appearance and illuminating effect.Lighting apparatus (100) has the multiplex controller for the optical element (150) for controlling one or more LED/light sources (110) and one or more electrically switchables.During illumination period, light source switches between at least two illumination conditions, and optical element switches between at least two optical states.Switching sequence is sufficiently fast, is detected without observed person.As a result, lighting module or lighting apparatus are perceived with substantially continuous light output.The state on multiplex controller rapidly time-sequencing light source and changeable surface, is changed with the vision for the object for producing to lighting apparatus and/or being irradiated by lighting apparatus.

Description

Apparatus and method for the time division multiplexing switchable optical elements of controllable lighting

Technical field

Present invention relates in general to lighting engineering.More specifically, various inventive methods disclosed herein and device are related to And control switchable optical elements and light source.

Background technology

Digital lighting technology, i.e., there is provided right for the illumination of the semiconductor light source based on such as light emitting diode (LED) etc The feasible alternative of traditional fluorescent lamp, HID and incandescent lighting module.LED functional advantage and benefit includes high energy Conversion and optical efficiency, durability, relatively low running cost etc..The recent progress of LED technology has been provided for making it possible to Realize the highly efficient and robust full spectral illumination source of the various illuminating effects in many applications.Embody some equipment in these sources It is characterised by one or more LED comprising the different colours that can produce such as red, green and blue and for independent control LED Output so as to generate a variety of colors and discoloration illuminating effect processor lighting module.

Past, the scattering film of electrically switchable has been used for making stereoscopic display.In such applications, changeable scattering film Stacking be used as two-dimentional (2D) image and can be projected to changeable screen thereon.By with multiple screens and selecting One screen is in diffusive condition and other screens are in clear state, and image can be positioned in three-dimensional (3D) space At different depth, so as to create stereoscopic display.Screen with sufficiently high with prevent from perceiving the frequency of flicker clear state with it is unrestrained Penetrate or scattering state between switch.

The scattering film of electrically switchable has also been used to create rear projection interaction surface technology.Utilize the technology, image It is projected on the changeable screen to form interaction surface and passes through the changeable screen.Screen is in diffusive condition and clear shape It is switched fast between state.When screen is in diffusive condition, the image to be shown on screen is projected, but is in screen During clear state, image can be projected by screen, be projected to the paper being for example maintained above screen second surface or On object.In one example, the object containing prism and diffusing surface can be placed on above screen, and then literary Originally it can be projected by screen and be shown in via prism on the side of object.

For example, the optical element that electric can be adjusted includes passive beam shaping element and controllable scattering element.Alternatively, can electricity The unit of switching can be used for the direction for controlling light.In these examples, the light of electrically switchable is relatively infrequently made Learn the change of the state of element.Can be with controlled journey which has limited the illuminating effect by lighting module or lighting apparatus establishment Degree, illuminating effect is directly related with the state of optical element.

Lighting module cover and lighting apparatus generally have fixed visual appearance, and it reaches that their size and dimension is normal The degree that can not be changed, although the machinery adjustment to the part of lighting apparatus is used as adjustment light illumination mode in some designs Mode is possible.Sometimes environment, its purpose being being used and the hobby according to user used dependent on it is expected To change the outward appearance of lighting apparatus.This causes lighting apparatus more various, and mean it can in the case of wider range quilt Using.

It is inconvenient to change its visual appearance (such as moving or replace part) lighting apparatus to be made physically changed 's.It is likely difficult to close to lighting apparatus, for example it may be positioned on wall or ceiling.

Therefore, the need for there are some shortcomings for solving conventional method described above in the prior art.

The content of the invention

The disclosure generally point toward for electric control lighting apparatus with change its outward appearance and illuminating effect inventive method and Device.For example, multiplex controller can rapidly the light source of time-sequencing power control and changeable surface state with The shade of the colored profile of irradiated object is produced, or looks like the first color but also produces the illumination of the light of the second color Equipment, or the lighting apparatus of its outward appearance can be changed with Electronic Control.

Lighting apparatus or lighting module are using for example one or more LED/light sources and the optics of one or more electrically switchables Element, wherein during illumination period, light source switches between at least two groups luminance states and optical element is at least two Switch between optical states.Switching sequence is repeated with the frequency reciprocal equal to illumination period, the frequency be higher than to lighting module or The change of the light output of lighting apparatus is as the frequency detected by the vision system of people.As a result, lighting module or lighting apparatus quilt Perceiving has substantially continuous light output.

By the way that illumination period is divided into many subcycles and LED brightness and light during each subcycle is suitably controlled The optical states of element are learned, may be greatly increased to the illuminating effect that is produced by lighting module, lighting apparatus or illuminator Degree of control.

Exemplary lighting module or lighting apparatus can generate two or more generally independent controllable lighting effects.Example Such as, lighting module can provide direct illumination effect and diffusion illuminating effect, and the intensity directly with diffusion illumination is individually controllable. Because these effects can be generated during different illumination subcycles in the way of time series, independent control illumination is produced The ability of effect.This means compared to wherein different illuminating effects by single element while situation about producing, can reduce shape Into the number of the part required for lighting module or lighting apparatus.

In the exemplary embodiment, the visual appearance of lighting apparatus and be substantially by the illuminating effect that lighting apparatus is produced Individually controllable.This enables interesting visual effect to be created, and allows user to customize the outward appearance of lighting apparatus, and nothing There is provided illuminating effect need to be provided greatly.

Further example disclosed herein includes the lighting apparatus with multiple surfaces, and multiple surfaces have can be by Electric control is generally to change the element of their outward appearance.Such as surface can have wherein they be substantially optically transparent the One state and wherein they are the second states of optical diffuser.When watching lighting apparatus, those elements in a first state With low observability, and those elements in the second state become visible, and together with opaque its of lighting apparatus Its part largely determines the outward appearance of lighting apparatus together.

By changing the state of in check element, it can change the outward appearance of lighting apparatus and be created by lighting apparatus Illuminating effect.For example, by optionally control element, lighting apparatus can be made to seem greater or lesser, or its surface Shape can seem change.

Generally, in an aspect, the device produced for the recognizable light of beholder, which includes to have, produces the first face The lighting module of second illumination component of the second color of light of the first illumination component and generation of coloured light, wherein the first color of light is regarded It is different from the second color of light in feel.Device further includes changeable surface and multiplex controller, and changeable surface is the Electrically switchable between one optical states and the second optical states, it is generally disposed between beholder and lighting module, multiplexes Controller and lighting module and changeable surface telecommunication, it is arranged to the first illumination component of independent control state, second shines Bright element state and changeable surface state.Multiplex controller can be used to switch in the case where being up at least 10Hz speed It is each in first illumination component state, the second illumination component state and changeable surface state.

In one embodiment, the first optical states include substantially transparent state, and the second optical states have substantially Light-scattering state.In a version, the first illumination component includes the first LED, and the second illumination component includes the 2nd LED.

In another embodiment, multiplex controller is arranged to be in the second optical states on changeable surface Opening the first illumination component simultaneously, it closes the second illumination component, and while being in the first optical states on changeable surface Open the second illumination component.In a version, multiplex controller is arranged to be in the first light on changeable surface The first illumination component and the second illumination component are opened while state with the first substantially similar duration, and can cut Change and first illumination component is opened while surface is in second optical states with the second duration and opening second Illumination component is with the 3rd duration, wherein second lasted longer than for the 3rd duration.

In another embodiment, be further contained in can between the first optical states and the second optical states on changeable surface First area that TURP is changed and between the first optical states and the second optical states electrically switchable second area, and its Middle first area and second area are by multiplex controller independent control.

Generally, in another aspect, the device produced for the recognizable light of beholder, which includes to have, produces the first face First illumination component of coloured light, the second illumination component for producing the second color of light and the 3rd illumination member for producing the 3rd color of light The lighting module of part, wherein the first color of light, the second color of light and the 3rd color of light are visually distinct from each other.In the first optics The second of electrically switchable the changeable surface is generally disposed between beholder and lighting module between state and the second optical states. To be generally disposed at second changeable on the first of electrically switchable the changeable surface between the first optical states and the second optical states Between surface and lighting module.With the multiplexing of lighting module, the first changeable surface and the second changeable surface telecommunication Controller is arranged to the first illumination component of independent control state, the second illumination component state, the 3rd illumination component state, One changeable surface state and the second changeable surface state.Multiplex controller is arranged to up at least 10Hz's Independently switch the first illumination component state, the second illumination component state, the 3rd illumination component state, the first changeable table under speed It is each in surface state and the second changeable surface state.

In one embodiment, the first optical states are substantially transparent states, and the second optical states are that substantially light dissipates Penetrate state.First illumination component can include the first LED, and the second illumination component can include the 2nd LED, and the 3rd illumination can To include the 3rd LED.In the version of the embodiment, multiplex controller is arranged to the first changeable surface switching Into scattering the first color of light, and the second changeable surface is switched into the second color of light of scattering.First changeable surface can be with Lighting module is generally surrounded, and the second changeable surface can generally surround the first changeable surface.

In another aspect, the present invention relates to for producing the lighting apparatus for the recognizable light of beholder, it is included Lighting module, the enclosing element at least partly around lighting module, the enclosing element have in the first optical states and the second optics The first of electrically switchable changeable surface and the electrically switchable between the first optical states and the second optical states between state The second changeable surface.Controller and lighting module, the first changeable surface and the second changeable surface telecommunication.Controller It is arranged to independent control lighting module illumination component state, the first changeable surface state and the second changeable surface shape State.First optical states can include substantially transparent state, and the second optical states can include substantially light-scattering state.

In one embodiment according to this aspect, the first changeable surface generally surrounds lighting module, and second Changeable surface generally surrounds the first changeable surface.

Generally, in another further aspect, the present invention relates to for control with controller, the first light source, secondary light source and The method of the lighting apparatus on changeable surface.Method is comprised the steps of：Periodically by changeable surface from the first optics shape State is switched to the second optical states, wherein switching has at most 1ms cycle；The light source of independent control first is in the first optical states And/or the second switching during optical states；And independent control secondary light source is in the first optical states and/or the second optics shape Switching during state.First optical states can include substantially transparent state；And the second optical states can include substantially light Scattering state.

In one embodiment of this aspect, during the cycle very first time, step includes and is switched to changeable surface Scattering state, the first light source is switched to open mode and secondary light source is switched to closed mode.In the second time cycle Period, step comprising changeable surface is switched into substantially transparent state, the first light source is switched to closed mode and by the Two light sources are switched to open mode, the time cycle of circulating repetition first and second.In a version of above example, step During the cycle very first time, by image projection on changeable surface.

In another aspect, the present invention relates to be arranged to the first light source of control, secondary light source, for controlling to have Three light sources, the first changeable surface, the method for the lighting apparatus of the controller on the second changeable surface, method include following step Suddenly：Switch the first changeable surface between the first optical states and the second optical states, in the first optical states and the second light Between state switch the second changeable surface, switch the first light between open mode and closed mode, open mode with Switch secondary light source, and the 3rd light source of switching between open mode and closed mode between closed mode.

In the embodiment of this aspect, the first optical states are substantially transparent states, and the second optical states are substantially Light-scattering state.In a second embodiment, during the cycle very first time, step is scattered comprising the first changeable surface is switched to State is penetrated, the second changeable surface is switched to substantially transparent state, the first light source and secondary light source are switched to closed mode And the 3rd light source is switched to open mode.During the second time cycle, step is further included the second changeable table Face is switched to scattering state, the first changeable surface is switched to substantially transparent state, switching the 3rd light source and secondary light source Open mode is switched to closed mode and by the first light source.During the 3rd time cycle, step is included and can cut first Change surface and the second changeable surface be switched to substantially transparent state, the 3rd light source and the first light source are switched to closed mode with And secondary light source is switched to open mode, and the time cycle of circulating repetition first, second, and third.

The invention further relates to the system for illuminating inner space, it is included with the first illumination for producing the first color of light The lighting module of second illumination component of the second color of light of element and generation, wherein the first color of light is visually distinct from second Color of light.System includes changeable surface and multiplex controller, and changeable surface is in the first optical states and the second optics Electrically switchable between state, it is generally arranged to leave lighting module, wherein changeable surface is substantially irradiated by lighting module, multichannel Multiplex controller and lighting module and changeable surface telecommunication, it is arranged to the first illumination component of independent control state, the Two illumination component states and changeable surface state.Multiplex controller can be used in the case where being up at least 10Hz speed Switch each in the first illumination component state, the second illumination component state and changeable surface state.At the 6th aspect In embodiment, the first optical states are substantially transparent states, and the second optical states are substantially light-scattering states.Changeable table Face can be window.

As herein to used in disclosure purpose, term " LED " should be understood to include any electroluminescent two Pole pipe or the other types of system based on carrier injection/knot for being able to respond to electric signal generation radiation.Therefore, art Language LED is based on semiconductor structure, light emitting polymer, organic light emission two including (but not limited to) in response to the various of galvanoluminescence Pole pipe (OLED), electroluminescent strip etc..Specifically, term LED refers to being arranged to generation one or more red External spectrum, ultraviolet spectra and visible spectrum (generally comprising the radiation wavelength from about 400 nanometers to about 700 nanometers) it is each Plant all types of light emitting diodes of the radiation in part (comprising semiconductor and Organic Light Emitting Diode).Some of LED are shown Example is including (but not limited to) various types of infrared LEDs, ultraviolet LED, red LED, blue led, green LED, yellow led, amber Amber color LED, orange LED and White LED, (further described below).It is to be further understood that LED can be configured and/or control Make for generate with the various bandwidth (such as full width at half maximum or FWHM, such as narrow bandwidth, wide bandwidth) for given spectrum with And the radiation of the various dominant wavelengths in common color classification.

For example, an embodiment for being arranged to generate the LED (such as White LED) of basic white light can be included and divided Do not launch many nude films for mixing the different electroluminescent spectrums to form basic white light in a joint manner.In another embodiment In, white light LEDs can be associated with is converted into the electroluminescent hair with the second different spectrum by the electroluminescent with the first spectrum The phosphor material of light.In an example preferably, the electroluminescent " pump with relative short wavelength and narrow bandwidth spectrum Pu " phosphor material, phosphor material is transferred radiation and radiated with the longer wavelength slightly compared with wide spectrum.

It is to be further understood that term LED does not limit LED physics and/or electric encapsulated type.For example, as begged for above Opinion, LED can refer to be arranged to launch respectively different spectrum radiation multiple nude films (for example, its can be or Person can not be individually controllable) single luminaire.Meanwhile, LED, which can be associated with, is considered as LED (such as some types White LED) part phosphor.Usually, term LED can refer to encapsulation LED, unencapsulated LED, surface installation LED, onboard chip LED, T encapsulation install LED, radially encapsulation LED, power package LED, comprising it is some type of packaging and/or The LED of optical element (such as diffusing lens).

Term " light source " is to be understood as referring to any one or more in various radiation sources, the various radiation source bags Containing the LED-based source of (but not limited to) (including one or more LED as defined above), incandescent source, (for example filament is illuminated Module, halogen lighting module), fluorescence source, phosphorescence source, (such as sodium vapor, mercury vapour and metal halide shine high intensity discharge sources Bright module), laser, other types of electroluminescent source, fiery photoluminescence source (such as flame), candle light light emitting source (such as gas mantle, Carbon-arc irradiation source), luminescence generated by light source (such as gas), use the cathodoluminescence source of electronics saturation, galvanoluminescence source, knot Trichite light source, motion light emitting source, thermoluminescence source, tribo-luminescence source, sonoluminescence source, radioluminescence source and light-emissive polymer Thing.

Given light source can be arranged to generation in visible spectrum, outside visible spectrum or both combination Electromagnetic radiation.Therefore, term " light " and " radiation " herein can be with used interchangeablies.In addition, light source can be included as composition Partial one or more filters (such as colour filter), lens or other optical components.Simultaneously, it should be appreciated that light source It can be arranged to including (but not limited to) the various applications for indicating, showing and/or illuminating." light source " is specifically to be configured There is enough intensity with the light source of the radiation of effectively illuminating inner space or exterior space for generating.In the context In, " enough intensity " refers to that enough radiant powers in the visible spectrum generated in space or environment (are radiating work( In terms of rate or " luminous flux ", unit " lumen " be usually adopted for representing light source directive total light output) to carry (it can be perceived indirectly and can be for example before by all or part of perceive from various intermediate surfaces for ambient illumination One or more reflected lights).

Term " spectrum " is to be understood as referring to any one or more of the radiation produced by one or more light sources Frequency (or wavelength).Accordingly, term " spectrum " refers to the frequency (or wavelength) not only in visible range, and also refers to Frequency (or wavelength) in infrared, the ultraviolet and other region of whole electromagnetic spectrum.Meanwhile, given spectrum can have phase (have various to narrow bandwidth (such as the FWHM with substantially seldom frequency or wavelength component) or relatively wide bandwidth Some frequencies or wavelength component of relative intensity).It is to be further understood that given spectrum can be two or more other light The result (for example mixing the radiation launched respectively from multiple light sources) of the mixing of spectrum.

For purposes of this disclosure, term " color " and term " spectrum " used interchangeably.However, term " color " is typically used In referring mainly to by the appreciable radiative property of observer (although this usage is not intended to limit the scope of this term).According to This, term " different colours " impliedly refers to multiple spectrum with different wave length component and/or bandwidth.It is to be further understood that Term " color " can be used in combination with both white light and non-white light.

Term " changeable surface " is generally referred to as the electrooptic cell on the surface with controllable optical property.Controllable property bag Containing the (but not limited to) transparency, transmission, reflection and diffusion.Specifically, have its can reflection (such as minute surface) and pellucidity it Between switching and such as PDLC the electrooptic cell that can switch between scattering and clear state.Also it can allow theirs Transmit (absorption) controlled material and it changes the material of the light characteristic reflected from them (as electronic paper display material ).These materials can be controlled to seem to be directly switch to another (such as from clearly to scattered from an optical states Penetrate), and material can have intermediateness.The characteristic of electric signal for controlling these changeable surfaces is general for this area It is known for logical technical staff, and is therefore omitted from the disclosure.

Term " illuminating equipment " and " lighting apparatus " herein used interchangeably to refer to one or more lighting units with spy Determine form-factor, component or the embodiment of encapsulation or arrangement.Term " lighting unit " and " lighting module " are exchanged herein Using with refer to include identical or different type one or more light sources device.Given lighting unit can have various pins Mounting arrangements, enclosing element to light source (or multiple light sources)/shell arrangement and shape, and/or electrical connection and mechanical connection are matched somebody with somebody Any one in putting.In addition, given lighting unit can alternatively be associated with (for example comprising be coupled to and/or and its Encapsulate together) various other parts (such as control circuit device) related to light source (or multiple light sources) operation." it is based on LED Lighting module " refer to (being not based on individually or with other comprising one or more LED-based light sources as discussed above LED combination of light sources) lighting unit." multichannel " lighting unit refers to including and is arranged to generate different spectrum respectively Radiation at least two light sources LED-based lighting unit or be not based on LED lighting unit, wherein each not homologous Spectrum can be referred to as " passage " of multi-channel illumination unit.

Term " controller " is generally used to illustrate the various devices related to the operation of one or more light sources herein. Controller can be realized in numerous modes (for example, such as utilizing specialized hardware), to perform various functions described herein. " processor " is an example of the controller using one or more microprocessors, and the one or more microprocessors can make Various functions described herein are programmed to perform with software (such as microcode).Controller can be used with or without processing Device is realized, and is also implemented as the specialized hardware for performing some functions and the processing for performing other functions The combination of device (such as the microprocessor of one or more programmings and the circuit arrangement associated).The each of the disclosure can be embodied in The example of controller part in kind embodiment is including (but not limited to) custom microprocessor, application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) and shows Field programmable gate array (FPGA).

In various embodiments, processor or controller can be associated with one or more storage mediums (generally at this It is referred to as in text " memory ", such as such as RAM, PROM, EPROM and EEPROM etc volatibility and non-volatile computer Memory, floppy disk, compact-disc, CD, tape etc.).In some embodiments, storage medium can have been encoded at one or many One or more programs of at least some functions described herein are performed when being performed on individual processor and/or controller.It is various Storage medium can be fixed in processor or controller or can be transportable so that one or many be stored thereon Individual program can be loaded into processor or controller, in order to realize various aspects of the invention described herein.Art Language " program " or " computer program " are used for finger in general sense herein can be adopted for one or more processing Any kind of computer code (such as software or microcode) that device or controller are programmed.

It should be appreciated that aforementioned concepts and be discussed more fully below other concept (if these concepts are not mutual Contradiction) all combinations be considered the part of inventions disclosed herein theme.Specifically, present disclosure is appeared in All combinations of theme claimed of ending be considered the part of inventions disclosed herein theme.Should also When understanding, art clearly using herein, may also appear in any disclosure being incorporated to by reference Language should be endowed and specific concept disclosed herein most consistent implication.

Brief description of the drawings

In the accompanying drawings, identical part is generally referred to through the same reference of different views.In addition, accompanying drawing is not necessarily It is that in proportion, emphasis is typically placed in the principle of the diagram present invention on the contrary.

Fig. 1 is the schematic diagram of the first embodiment of controlled lighting apparatus.

Fig. 2A and Fig. 2 B illustrate by first embodiment lighting apparatus irradiation object projection the first hatching pattern and Second hatching pattern.

Fig. 3 is the timing diagram for the illumination of the lighting apparatus of first embodiment and the state of changeable surface element.

Fig. 4 illustrates the 3rd hatching pattern of the object projection by the lighting apparatus irradiation of first embodiment.

Fig. 5 is the schematic side view of the lighting apparatus according to second embodiment.

Fig. 6 is the front-view schematic diagram of the lighting apparatus according to second embodiment.

Fig. 7 is the timing diagram for the illumination of the lighting apparatus of first embodiment and the state of changeable surface element.

Fig. 8 is the schematic diagram of the lighting apparatus on the changeable surface with built-in (nested).

Fig. 9 is the schematic diagram of the exemplary lighting apparatus with two changeable surface elements.

Figure 10 is the timing diagram for the illumination of the lighting apparatus of second embodiment and the state of changeable surface element.

Figure 11 is the schematic diagram of the lighting apparatus according to fourth embodiment.

Figure 12 A and Figure 12 B are the schematic diagrames of the 5th exemplary embodiment of lighting apparatus.

Figure 13 A and Figure 13 B are the schematic diagrames of the lighting apparatus according to sixth embodiment.

Figure 14 is the flow chart for controlling the method for lighting apparatus.

Figure 15 be a diagram that the schematic diagram of the example of the system of the function for performing the present invention.

Figure 16 is the schematic diagram of the 7th embodiment of controlled lighting apparatus.

Figure 17 A and Figure 17 B be a diagram that the schematic diagram of two lighting patterns of the 7th embodiment of controlled lighting apparatus.

Figure 18 A and Figure 18 B be a diagram that two other lighting patterns of the 7th embodiment of controlled lighting apparatus Schematic diagram.

Figure 19 A and Figure 19 B illustrate the embodiment of the lighting apparatus with built-in changeable surface.

Embodiment

Traditionally, different types of lighting apparatus has been adopted for producing different illuminating effects.Some are internal empty Between different types of illumination can be provided equipped with multiple lighting apparatus, for example directly non-diffused light, direct diffused light, indirectly Non- diffused light and indirect diffused light.Advantageously there is provided two provided with being controlled to switching in these types of illumination Or the lighting apparatus of multiple and other illuminating effects.More generally, applicant have appreciated that and understand, it may be beneficial to , coordinate and control illumination component to be switched fast to produce these and other visual effect.

In view of afore-mentioned, various embodiments of the present invention and embodiment are related to for having controllable lighting elements and can Switch the apparatus and method of the lighting apparatus on surface.

First embodiment：The control of the shade generated by lighting module or lighting apparatus

First exemplary embodiment of controllable lighting module 100 is schematically illustrated in Fig. 1.Lighting module includes peace The group of at least two LED 110 in shell 115 and such as PDLC (PDLC) piece etc can TURP The dispersing element 150 changed.LED 110 is arranged at the output of lighting module 100 generate light beam 120, wherein scattering member Part 150 is arranged in the path of light beam 120.In this example, it is assumed that LED arrangement comprising generation such as feux rouges, green glow and Blue light, be combined to form the specific installation of the color component of white light beam 120.Certainly, it is also contemplated that in lighting module 100 With two comprising for example amber, white and other colors, three, the LED of the different colours of four or more.

Fig. 2A and Fig. 2 B are the schematic diagrames for the cylindrical object 260 that lighting module 100 is radiated on surface 265.Scattering member Part 150 can be with higher than two dispersion shapes of the frequency in for example clear state and diffusive condition for flashing perceived minimum frequency It is switched fast between state.When dispersing element 150 is in clear state, as shown in fig. 2, the generation of lighting module 100 First shade 261 of body 260, it has sharp keen and clear and definite edge, as light comes from spot light or collimated light source.In scattering When element 150 is in diffusive condition, as shown in Figure 2 B, lighting module 100 produces diffusion shade 262, and it has soft Or the edge of classification (graded), as light comes from diffusing source.LED brightness and the illumination therefore provided by lighting module Brightness and color can independently be controlled for two states.The effect seen by using lighting module 100 by someone can To be sharp keen shade 261 (Fig. 2A) and diffuse the fusion of shade 262, the relative weighting of wherein shade is that dispersing element 150 is in The time of pellucidity and dispersing element 150 are in the function of the time quantum of scattering state.

The waveform shown in Fig. 3 illustrates specific example.The repetition period Ti of waveform determines lighting module 100 (Fig. 2 B) Flicker frequency, and the cycle be arranged to less than such as 20ms.During the first half period T1 in each cycle, drive signal Dispersing element 150 (Fig. 2 B) is applied to, this causes dispersing element 150 (Fig. 2 B) to be in scattering state.In the phase of period of time T 1 Between, the LED of generation feux rouges is opened, and lighting module 100 (Fig. 2 B) generation diffusion red illumination.The second of each cycle During half period T2, drive signal is applied to dispersing element 150 (Fig. 2A), and this causes dispersing element 150 (Fig. 2A) is in clear Clear state.During period of time T 2, the LED of generation green glow and blue light is opened, and in the almost situation without light scattering Lower lighting module generation green glow and blue light.

Illumination during the illuminating effect perceived represents T1 and T2 is averaged, and is illustrated in Fig. 4.Object 260 Seem to be irradiated with white light, but the shade 461 created by object 260 seems the colour edging with red and cyan 462.The type of produced shadow color is overlapping with what is produced dependent on the geometry of sharp keen and soft shadows, such as complete red The combination of color, full cyan or red and cyan.

In this example, lighting module 100 enters using with two subcycles for corresponding to diffusion and direct illumination state Row operation.However, it is contemplated that with more than two subcycle, wherein dispersing element 150 is switched to during the extra cycle Middle scattering state, to provide the bigger control of the illuminating effect to being created by lighting module 100.In addition, LED can be carried For with midway drive electric current, to provide the control to the intensity and color of different illumination conditions.Similarly, red, green It can be changed over time with the relative phase in blue led pulse and duration, so as to provide various visual effects.For example, Light on object 260 can keep constant color, and the color of edge shadow 462 can change.In addition, edge shadow 462 The change of color can be gradual (from a kind of color blend to another color) or suddenly.

Alternatively, according to first embodiment, instead of using at least two LED, can use it is single led, wherein scattering When element 150 is switched, the brightness of the LED can change.This, which produces irradiated object and produced, has sharpened edge and soft With the visual effect of the shade of the combination at edge.

Second embodiment：The control of the color of lighting apparatus and its color of illumination

The second exemplary embodiment for using the lighting apparatus of proposed control method is that visual appearance will be expected from it Generate the light of the first color but produce the lighting apparatus of the illumination of the second color different from the first color.Such illumination is set Standby to may be used as having coloured desk illumination module, it for example matches the decoration in room, while still carrying on the work surface For white-light illuminating.Alternatively, lighting apparatus can be installed on wall, and seems there is the first color but on floor Or the illumination of the second color is provided on ceiling.

The example of the arrangement of such lighting apparatus is illustrated in fig. 5 and fig..Lighting apparatus 500 is illuminated comprising formation The visible surface of equipment 500 and as switchable optical elements bending PDLC pieces 550.PDLC pieces 550 are positioned in black Before the backplate 540 of color, and piece 550 from behind by containing two or more different colours LED (such as it is red, Green and blue led) LED 510 arrangement irradiation.In exemplified earlier, LED 510 and dispersing element 550 utilize weight Complex signal drives, as shown in Fig. 7.

During the first half period T1 of drive cycle, piece 550 (Fig. 5) is driven to clear state, and is then directed to The T1R of red LED, the T1G of green LED and blue led T1B time cycle, LED 510 (Fig. 5) are opened.At three Between the value in cycle determine by lighting apparatus 500 (Fig. 5) effective brightness of the light of generation and color during cycle T 1.When piece 550 When (Fig. 5) is in clear state during T1, the light generated by LED 510 (Fig. 5) is not relatively by the presence of piece 550 (Fig. 5) Influence, and fall on object and surface below lighting apparatus.

During the second half period T2 of drive cycle, piece 550 (Fig. 5) is driven to scattering state, and is then directed to The T2R of red LED, the T2G of green LED and blue led T2B time cycle, LED is opened.Second group of week time The value of phase determines effective brightness and the color of the light generated by lighting apparatus 500 (Fig. 5) during cycle T 2.As piece 550 (Fig. 5) When being in scattering state during T2, it is scattered in by LED 510 (Fig. 5) light generated in wide angular range.A large amount of light are still So fall on the object and surface below piece 550 (Fig. 5), but this represents the part of the light smaller than during T1.

(namely PDLC pieces 550 (Fig. 5) are seen when two characteristics of lighting apparatus 500 (Fig. 5) are direct viewings in observer When) it color and the color of illumination that it is created (namely fall the light on the object and surface below lighting apparatus 500 Color).

When observer observes lighting apparatus 500 (Fig. 5), he is primarily viewed during period of time T 2 from PDLC pieces 550 The light that (Fig. 5) is scattered.The color of the light and the therefore apparent colour of lighting apparatus 500 (Fig. 5) are by period of time T 2R, T2G Determined with T2B.The illuminating effect produced by lighting apparatus 500 (Fig. 5) is to fall during period of time T 1 and T2 in lighting apparatus The summation of the light on surface below 500 (Fig. 5).Therefore illumination color depend on period of time T 1R, T1G, T1B and T2R、T2G、T2B.As mentioned previously, during period of time T 2, light is scattered in wide angular range, and therefore compared with The light of fraction falls on the surface below lighting apparatus 500 (Fig. 5).The relative scale of feux rouges, green glow and blue light can in illumination To be expressed as T1R+kT2R, T1G+kT2G and T1B+kT2B, wherein k is less than 1.Feux rouges, green glow and blue light in balancing illumination During light of the ratio to produce particular color, factor k is contemplated that.Factor k value depends on the design of lighting apparatus 500 (Fig. 5). For such arrangement (Fig. 5), the exemplary range of factor k value can be in 0.6 to 0.7 scope.For example, lighting apparatus 500 (Fig. 5) can be operated so that piece 550 (Fig. 5) has red appearance, but falls the surface below lighting apparatus 500 (Fig. 5) On it is just white.In this case, T2G and T2B can be zero, and feux rouges, green glow and blue light are falling on the surface Light in relative scale can be T1R+kT2R, T1G and T1B.In order to provide the white illumination on surface, it may be required that feux rouges, The equal contribution of green glow and blue light so that T1R+kT2R=T1G=T1B.

3rd embodiment：The control of the outward appearance of lighting apparatus with multiple changeable surfaces

The 3rd exemplary embodiment of the present invention is related to the lighting apparatus with multiple changeable surfaces.Fig. 8 shows letter The schematic illustration of single lighting apparatus 800.It includes the component for the LED 810 for being used to provide illumination, with different height and difference The first changeable dispersing element 852 of changeable dispersing element 851 and second of two concentric column forms of diameter.As before, LED 810 component contains the LED (red in this example, green and blue led) of at least two different colours.Lighting apparatus 800 visual appearance is largely determined by the shape and color of the light scattered from dispersing element 851,852, and its illumination Effect is the direct illumination of the component from LED 810 and by the group of the indirect lighting of light scattered from dispersing element 851,852 Close.Fig. 9 and Figure 10 illustrate how that dispersing element 851,852 and LED 110 can be controlled to produce interesting visual effect.

Fig. 9 represents the explanatory view of lighting apparatus 800, and shows two dispersing elements 851,852 and irradiation The part of the red of both environment of dispersing element 851,852 and lighting apparatus 800, green and blue led 810.LED 810 And the sequential of the state of dispersing element 851,852 is shown by Figure 10.In this example, illumination period Ti is divided into three son weeks Phase T1 to T3.During the first subcycle T1, the first dispersing element 851 is switched to scattering state and the second dispersing element 852 are switched to clear or pellucidity and blue led is opened.Blue light falls on the first dispersing element and is scattered in width Angular range in.Second dispersing element 852 does not provide the significant further scattering to light.During the second subcycle T2, First dispersing element 851 is switched to clear state and the second dispersing element 852 is switched to scattering state and red LED It is opened.Feux rouges in the case where hardly changing its direction by the first dispersing element 851, but in the second dispersing element At 852, feux rouges is scattered into wide angular range.During the 3rd subcycle T3, the first dispersing element 851 and the second scattering member Both parts 852 are all switched to clear state and green LED is opened.Green glow 820 is hardly changing the situation in its direction Down by the first dispersing element 851 and the second dispersing element 852, and leave lighting apparatus 820 to irradiate surrounding environment.

The visual effect of operation lighting apparatus 800 is in this way, and the first dispersing element 851 is when it scatters blue light Look like blueness, the second dispersing element 852 seems red when it scatters feux rouges, and is provided by lighting apparatus 800 Illumination be from dispersing element scatter blue diffused light and red diffused light and green glow combination.

Dispersing element 851,852 can have translucent outward appearance.Blue surface is being seen by red surface and seen In the case that two surfaces are overlapping, occur the additional mixing of the color on two surfaces, and overlapping region has magenta color. This is totally different from the type of effect that colourful transparent plastics (it instead provides mixing of losing lustre) can be used to create.This allows wound Build the novel visual effect that can not be realized in conventional lighting device.The transparency of dispersing element 851,852 can be by applying Controlled to the amplitude of the driving voltage of dispersing element 851,852 or by their relative times in scattering and clear state System.The color of dispersing element 851,852 and brightness fall the light on them to determine when they are in scattering state.

In this example, dispersing element 851,852 is switched to their scattering state in the different time cycles.By In this reason, it is translucent that both all look like dispersing element 851,852 relative to each other so that can be dissipated by one Penetrate element and see another.If dispersing element 851,852 is driven so that they are all scattered during same a period of time, that Another can not be seen by a piece, in other words, they will not look like relative to each other it is translucent, although They will seem translucent still in relation to other elements or object.This provides entering to the outward appearance of lighting apparatus 800 One step controlling extent.Alternatively, according to 3rd embodiment, instead of using at least two LED, can use it is single led, wherein LED brightness can be changed when dispersing element 851,852 is switched.This, which produces wherein dispersing element 851,852, has difference The visual effect of the brightness of perception level.

Fourth embodiment：Show the lighting apparatus of the switchable pattern for decoration or information

As discussed above, 3rd embodiment discloses the general of the lighting apparatus of the dispersing element with multiple electrically switchables Read, the dispersing element of the plurality of electrically switchable is controllable to be used to have different outward appearances (such as different colours) to control lighting apparatus Visual appearance.4th exemplary embodiment further uses this design, and the electrode of wherein control element is patterned to shape Into the region of its piece that can be individually switched between the optical states of such as scattering and clear state.PDLC pieces can be included Assemble to form two polymeric substrates of liquid crystal cells.Substrate surface inside unit can scribble transparent conductive electrode. These electrodes are patterned to form individually addressable unit area, this comes for the those of ordinary skill of field of video display Say it is known.The driving in these regions and the driving of the illumination LED near PDLC pieces is controlled to produce following surface, the table Face forms a part for lighting apparatus, and it, which can also show, can be controlled to show different predetermined patterns in different time Simple pattern.

For example, lighting apparatus architecture combined second embodiment can be adopted as being used to illuminate corridor as described above Lighting apparatus.It is illustrated in fig. 11 according to the exemplary lighting apparatus 1100 of fourth embodiment.According to fourth embodiment, from Visible 1150 can be actuated to the outward appearance with uniform color before lighting apparatus, while as described above with white Optical illumination floor.As shown in fig. 11, by patterning the electrode of piece 1150 to form four individually addressable regions 1101 to 1104, when needed lighting apparatus 1100 may be utilized for provide arrow form directivity information.For example pass through First delta-shaped region 1103 and main region 1101 are arranged to have the first color and by the second triangle shape region 1104 It is arranged to that there is the second color with rectangular area 1102, lighting apparatus seems that the arrow on the left side is pointed in display.By by second Triangle shape region 1104 and main region 1101 are arranged to have the first color and by the first delta-shaped region 1103 and rectangle Region 1102 is arranged to have the second color, and lighting apparatus seems the arrow on the right of display sensing.The color of different zones can With by change the drive signal and control LED 1110 of different zones with the similar manner described in second embodiment Drive to control.

Although above example describes the relatively simple figure with four individually addressable regions 1101 to 1104 Shape, does not oppose with less or more the addressable area for being patterned to show such as text or graph image.Different Addressable area can synchronously be switched to scattering state with the LED of different colours so that different addressable areas can be with Look like different colors from one another.

5th embodiment：Project to the illumination on surface and passing through surface

The fifth embodiment of the present invention can be by by text, pattern or image projection to changeable surface by image Or lighting apparatus of the presentation of information on the changeable surface of lighting apparatus.Exemplary according to the 5th embodiment is arranged on smallpox Lighting apparatus on plate is illustrated in B in figs. 12 a and 12b.Lighting apparatus 1200 is included by as previously described in diffusion shape The central light source 1210 that the vertical surface 1250 of electrically switchable is surrounded between state and clear state.Drive for lighting apparatus 1200 Dynamic waveform can be similar to those shown in Fig. 7 so that during the Part I T1 of each drive cycle, piece 1250 is driven Move clear state and light source 1210 provides illumination.During the Part II of each drive cycle, piece 1250 is driven to Scattering state, so such as text, light pattern and/or image can be projected on piece 1250, as shown in Figure 12 B.This A little patterns can be for example from the illumination by the LED generations in central light source 1210, or can be by projecting apparatus (not shown) Generation, the operation of projecting apparatus is synchronized to the operation of lighting apparatus 1200 so that projecting apparatus generation light only during cycle T 2.Because Pattern or image on piece 1250 can have translucent outward appearance, if located in piece 1250 behind (as seen as observer) Object be dark colour or black, this can be with beneficial, because this can increase the table of image on piece 1250 or pattern See contrast.

Sixth embodiment：Control the outward appearance on surface in architectural establishment

According to the 6th exemplary embodiment, as shown in Figure 13 A and Figure 13 B, on lighting module and illumination The concept of equipment description can be controlled by the illuminator on the changeable surface being incorporated in outside illuminator and expanded to more Big scale.For example, the lighting apparatus 1300 on the ceiling 1360 in room can be illuminated comprising with window 1364 Wall 1362 room.Window 1364 have can be controlled to from as the pellucidity shown in Figure 13 A change to such as by The changeable surface 1350 of scattering state shown in Figure 13 B.In addition, the outward appearance on changeable surface 1350 can be sorted with passage time Illumination component and changeable surface 1350 in lighting apparatus 1300 and further controlled so that as previously described in face The illumination component of color makes changeable surface 1350 be in light-scattering state while opening so that changeable surface exhibits synchronization The color of the illumination component of color.

Coordinating the control on these changeable surfaces and the control of illuminator can be used to change changeable table in room The outward appearance in face or the internally and/or externally outward appearance for changing the change-over window in building.In check light source and controlled The element of optical element of electrically switchable can serve as lamp fitting and the surface of separation, rather than single lighting module or illumination are set It is standby.The device for coordinating the driving of these elements to create required vision or illuminating effect can form room or building Lighting Control Assembly a part.The PDLC material being previously related to is had been used in secret glass (privacy glass), To provide the large windows family that can switch between clear state and diffusion or opaque state.By by the control described in the early time Method processed is applied to the illumination in the room with secret glass, and the color and the transparency of window can be changed, so as to provide Chance with change the inside in room outward appearance or on a large scale change building external appearance.

In various embodiments, it is expected that changeable surface and illumination component are not perceived as the enough of such as flicker in switching Switch under fast speed.The perceived minimum frequency of flicker is complicated, and dependent on viewing condition, brightness, contrast, regard Position in etc..Typically, minimum actual frequency is probably 50Hz or so, although a considerable amount of people still may be used under the frequency To perceive flicker.At its best, frequency will be 100Hz or bigger, but it can be by switchable optical elements The limitation of speed.

According to some embodiments of the present invention, for controlling the illustrative methods of lighting apparatus or lighting module to be illustrated in In flow chart in Figure 14.It should be noted that any process description or frame in flow chart are appreciated that expression is included One or more module, fragment, code section or steps instructed for the specific logic function in implementation process, and such as By what is understood by those skilled in the art, wherein can be with different from showing or begging for depending on involved feature The alternate embodiments of order (comprising substantially simultaneously or in reverse order) perform function of opinion are included in the model of the present invention In enclosing.

Included as shown in frame 1410, the step of illustrative methods by changeable surface from the first optical states periodically Ground is switched to the second optical states.As previously noted, switching rate is preferably sufficiently high so that observer can't detect sudden strain of a muscle It is bright.As shown in frame 1420, the first light source is independently controlled to cut during the first optical states and/or the second optical states Change.As shown in frame 1430, secondary light source is independently controlled to cut during the first optical states and/or the second optical states Change.For example, during subcycle when changeable surface is in clear optical states, the first light source can be opened and second Light source can be closed.Similarly, during subcycle when scattering optical states are on changeable surface, the first light source can be with It is closed and secondary light source can be opened.Certainly, as described above, many other combinations of iteron periodic state are It is possible.It is possible to further control the changeable surface of more than one, and three or more of different colours can be controlled Individual light source, so as to produce the combination of greater amount of state during different subcycles.Alternatively, instead of with the first light source and Secondary light source, can use single source, wherein can control the brightness of light source to be switched to during the first optical states One luminance level and the second luminance level is switched to during the second optical states.

For performing, the multiplex controller of function detailed above can be computer system, and its example is shown Go out in Figure 15 schematic diagram.System 1500 is containing processor 1502, storage device 1504, with definition function above-mentioned Software 1508 memory 1506, I/O equipment 1510 and the permission system 1500 that are stored therein in communication local bus Or local interface 1512.As known in the art, local interface 1512 can be such as but not limited to one or more bus or Other wired or wireless connections.Local interface 1512 can have such as controller, buffer (cache), driver, in After device and receiver etc add ons (in order to which simplification is omitted) to enable communication to carry out.Further, locally connect Mouth 1512 can include address, control and/or data cube computation, to enable the appropriate communication between above-mentioned part to enter OK.

Processor 1502 is performed for the hardware device for the software being particularly stored in memory 1506.Processor It 1502 can be the monokaryon or polycaryon processor, CPU (CPU) of any customization or commercialization, close with the system 1500 Connection some processors between secondary processor, the microprocessor (in the form of microchip or chipset) based on semiconductor, Macrogenerator or any equipment for being generally used for performing software instruction.

Memory 1506 can comprising volatile memory elements (for example random access memory (RAM, such as DRAM, SRAM, SDRAM etc.)) and non-volatile memory device (such as ROM, hard disk drive, tape, CDROM) in any one Individual or combination.Moreover, memory 1506 can be incorporated to electronics, magnetic, optical and/or other types of storage medium. Note, memory 1506 there can be distributed structure/architecture, wherein various parts are located remotely from each other, but can be by processor 1502 conduct interviews.

According to the present invention, software 1508 defines the function of being performed by system 1500.As described below, in memory 1506 Software 1508 can include the program of one or more separation, wherein each contain the logic function for being used for realizing system 1500 Executable instruction ordered list.Memory 1506 can contain operating system (O/S) 1520.Operating system is substantially controlled The execution of program in system 1500 processed and provide scheduling, input and output control, file and data management, memory management, And Control on Communication and related service.

I/O equipment 1510 can include such as, but not limited to control panel or flat board, remote controllers, cell phone, mouse The input equipment of mark, microphone etc..In addition, I/0 equipment 1510 can also include such as, but not limited to changeable surface and illumination The output equipment of equipment etc..Finally, I/0 equipment 1510 can be included further via setting that both input and output are communicated It is standby, such as (but not limited to) modulator/demodulator (modem；For accessing another equipment, system or network), radio frequency Or other transceivers, telephony interface, bridger, router or miscellaneous equipment (RF).

As explained above, when system 1500 is in operation, processor 1502 is arranged to execution and is stored in Data are transferred to memory 1506 and transmit the data from memory 1506 by the software 1508 in reservoir 1506, And the operation generally according to the control system 1500 of software 1508.

7th embodiment：Lighting apparatus with changeable surface

The optical element of the electrically switchable of such as changeable mirror or changeable dispersing element etc can be used for change and shine The output light pattern of bright module or lighting apparatus.For example, the purpose that can be used according to light has the variable scattering of electricity to change The light of property.Controller control is one or more can the electric optical element and one or more light sources adjusted.Electric it can adjust Optical element can include for example passive beam shaping element and controllable scattering element.

According to the seventh embodiment of the invention, exemplary lighting apparatus 1600 in figure 16 is shown there is light source 1610 And multiple changeable surfaces 1651 to 1656 comprising the element that can be controlled electrically the outward appearance substantially to change them.For example Multiple changeable surfaces 1651 to 1656 can be with wherein they are substantially optically transparent first states and wherein they are Second state of optical scattering.According to the 7th embodiment, light source 1610 and changeable surface 1651 to 1656 need not quickly be cut Change.However, not opposing as being switched fast one or more of surface 1651 to 1656, example described in embodiment one to six Such as to change color of one or more of the surface 1651 to 1656 relative to light source 1610.

When watching lighting apparatus 1600, those changeable surfaces 1651 to 1656 in first state have low Observability, and those changeable surfaces 1651 to 1656 in the second state become visible and opaque together with lighting apparatus Other parts together largely determine lighting apparatus 1600 outward appearance.

By changing the state on changeable surface 1651 to 1656, the outward appearance of lighting apparatus 1600 can be changed and by shining The illuminating effect that bright equipment 1600 is created.For example by optionally controlling changeable surface 1651 to 1656, illumination can be made Equipment 1600 seems greater or lesser, or the shape on its surface can seem changing.

For example exemplary illumination can be formed using the piece of the electrically switchable material of largely ambient light source 1610 Equipment 1600.Changeable surface 1651 to 1656 can be such as polymer dispersion liquid crystal material, wherein being applied by change The amplitude of alternating voltage can control the light scattering degree in material.When no voltage applies, material is that height is scattered, And the amount not only to limit the light for being transmitted through material of working but also cause the light of transmission by scattering so as to which its characteristic becomes Into highly diffuse.With the amplitude increase of alternating voltage, material gradually becomes less scattering, and more light are transmitted through Material.The characteristic of light becomes less diffusion and more directionality.By material is divided into the parts 1651 of many independent controls to 1656, lighting apparatus 1600 can be controlled to determine the distribution for the light that it is created.

Figure 16 is shown in which that all changeable surfaces 1651 to 1656 are in the situation of scattering state.In these conditions Under because light will not directly opened scattered portion 1651 to 1656, bright lighting pattern 1620, which is only directly created, to be shone The bright lower section of equipment 1600.Further away from lighting apparatus 1600, the light that can be scattered by part 1651 to 1656 creates the diffusion back of the body Scape illuminating effect.

By the way that appropriate driving voltage is applied into changeable material part 1651 to 1656, can optionally it control every The degree of the scattering of individual part.When relatively high driving voltage is applied to piece, they become most of transparent and almost The scattering for being incident on light thereon is not introduced.For observing the people of lighting apparatus, they also become more invisible.By inciting somebody to action Part 1651 to 1656 is sequentially switched to pellucidity, can control the light pattern and its outward appearance (chi generated by lighting apparatus Very little and shape).This is illustrated in Figure 17 A and Figure 17 B, and it illustrates change the transmissive state of base section 1651 to 1653 such as What can influence the lighting pattern 1620 created by lighting apparatus 1600.As shown in Figure 17 A, in base section 1651 There is relatively small area to the bright light pattern 1620 below lighting apparatus 1600 during 1653 scattering, is created, and can Switching material part 1651 to 1656 seems ambient light source 1610.As shown in Figure 17 B, base section 1651 to 1653 when being switched to pellucidity, and the relatively large area 1620 of the lower section of lighting apparatus 1600 is illuminated brightly, and is shone Bright equipment 1600 looks like less and with more open structure.

Changing changeable surface 1651 to 1656 and being switched to the pattern of clear state allows entering to lighting pattern 1620 One step is controlled.For example in Figure 18 A and Figure 18 B, the extention of added changeable surfacing 1650, to cover illumination The bottom of equipment 1600.In Figure 18 A, base section 1650 to 1653 is clearly and top section 1654 to 1656 is scattering , so that lighting apparatus 1600 provides the downward illuminating effect 1620 of broadness.As shown in Figure 18 B, base section 1650 To 1653 be scattering and top section 1654 to 1656 is that clearly, and lighting apparatus 1600 provides upward illuminating effect 1620。

Other illuminating effect is possible.If for example, base section 1650 be clear state and reflective condition it Between the changeable material that changes, as can be when base section be in reflective condition as the upward illuminating effect shown in Figure 18 B It is reinforced.

8th embodiment：Lighting apparatus with built-in (nested) changeable surface

As shown in Figure 19, the 8th exemplary embodiment of the invention can change its outward appearance in another way Lighting apparatus 1900.According to the 8th embodiment, the first changeable surface 1901 can be disposed generally on the second changeable surface Within 1902.The changeable surface 1901 of first (internal) is conical form, and the changeable surface 1902 outside second is Cylindrical form.In fig. 19 a, the first changeable surface 1901 is set to scattering state and the second controlled surface 1902 is set Clear state is put, so lighting apparatus 1900 has circular cone outward appearance.In fig. 19b, the first changeable surface 1901 is set To clear state and the second controlled surface 1902 is set to scattering state, so lighting apparatus 1900 has cylinder outward appearance.

It is translucent intermediateness that changeable surface 1901,1902, which can be set to them, so as to be created Vision and illuminating effect provide further change, rather than make changeable surface 1901,1902 directly in scattering and clear shape Switch between state.

For the sake of clarity, eight embodiments described above are separately described.Certainly, the aspect of eight embodiments can be with Various results are combined to produce in many ways.

It will generally describe to be defined in the feelings that the part of wherein electrically switchable switches between scattering and clear state Condition.The material of other types of electrically switchable can provide for example wherein material between pellucidity and reflective condition or The replacement behavior switched between the state of pellucidity and opaque color.

The example of simple illumination module and simple illumination equipment has been described, to illustrate the principle of the motion.It can deposit Its created using identical technology allow the lighting module of the bigger control to illuminating effect and with unexpected and The many other of the lighting apparatus of controllable appearance may design.

The ability of customization outward appearance is may is that using the key benefit of the lighting apparatus of these technologies.For example basis wherein makes The color for changing dispersing element with the Color scheme in the room of lighting apparatus may cause increased yield and therefore relatively low Cost.

Example describes using the dispersing element of such as PDLC etc electrically switchable to make more controllable illumination mould Block and lighting apparatus.Similar effect can be realized using the optical element of other electrically switchables of such as switchable mirror.

Example distinguishes the different illuminations that can be realized and visual effect using color.However, situation is often, compared to coloured silk Coloured light, preferably white light, therefore be also contemplated that in the case where the intensity of light and the transparency of dispersing element are in check variable, There is provided the lighting module or lighting apparatus of white light can make in this way.

Although same LED illumination dispersing element and providing direct illumination in this example, both functions can be by difference The LED of arrangement is provided.Individually controllable optics member will be depended on by controlling the number of illuminating effect and the free degree in visual appearance The number of the number of part and individually controllable light source.

Although already described herein and illustrate some inventive embodiments, those of ordinary skill in the art will readily occur to For performing functionality described herein and/or obtaining result described herein and/or one or more described herein The various other devices and/or structure of advantage, and these changes and/or modification are considered as each the hair being described herein In the range of bright embodiment.

For example, although above embodiment refers generally to the changeable surface as dispersing element, does not oppose wherein Different optical properties is controlled the changeable surface of (such as Variable reflectance and/or variable transmission).For example by will be changeable Surface is layered in over each other or on the different surfaces of glass surface and relative to the switching times control surface of light source Switching times, the illuminating effect of addition type can be provided by combining the changeable surface of two or more types.

More generally, the person skilled in the art will easily understand all parameters described herein, size, material and match somebody with somebody Put and be intended to exemplary and actual parameter, size, material and/or configuration will be used depending on invention teaching one Individual or multiple concrete applications.It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that or can be found out using only normal experiment to retouching herein The many equivalents for the specific inventive embodiments stated.It will consequently be understood that, previous embodiment is only in by way of example It is existing, and in the range of appended claims and its equivalent, except as specifically described and be claimed, inventive embodiments It can put into practice otherwise.The inventive embodiments of the disclosure point to each personal feature described herein, system, thing Product, material, external member and/or method.In addition, if the not mutual lance of these features, system, article, material, external member and/or method Shield, these two or more features, system, article, material, any combinations of external member and/or method are comprised in the disclosure In invention scope.

As defined herein and use, be defined and be to be understood as dominating dictionary definition, by reference simultaneously Its ordinary meaning of definition and/or defined term in the document entered.

Opposite situation unless specifically indicated, as used herein indefinite article in the specification and in the claims " one " and " one " are to be understood as meaning " at least one ".

Phrase "and/or" in the specification and in the claims is to be understood as meaning so connection as used herein In the element (combining exist and element that separate presence in other cases in some cases) of conjunction " any one or Both ".The multiple element listed using "and/or" should be explained in an identical manner, i.e., " one in so united element It is individual or multiple ".Except the element especially identified by "and/or" subordinate clause, other elements can be there can optionally be, with especially mark Those elements known are related or unrelated.

As used herein in the specification and in the claims, "or" be to be understood as having with as defined above "and/or" identical implication.For example, when separating item in lists, "or" or "and/or" should be interpreted that including that is, including extremely Few one, but more than one also comprising many elements or in element list and alternatively unlisted item in addition.Only It is explicitly indicated the term of reverse situation, such as " ... in only one " or " ... in proper what a " or using in right " consist of " when in claim, will refer to comprising what a proper element in many elements or element list.

As used herein in the specification and in the claims, phrase on the list of one or more elements " at least one " is to be understood as meaning from any one or more in the element in element list selected at least one Individual element, but at least one in unnecessary each element specifically listed in specific element list, and not Exclude any combinations of the element in element list.This definition also allows, except the element being related in phrase " at least one " Element outside the element being specifically identified in list can there can optionally be, or nothing related to those elements being specifically identified Close.So as to, as non-limiting example, " in A and B at least one " (either equally " in A or B at least one " or Equally " in A and/or B at least one ") also refer to alternatively wrap in the case of B is non-existent in one embodiment At least one of A containing more than one (and alternatively comprising the element in addition to B)；Also referring in another embodiment can Selection of land includes at least one of more than one B (and alternatively comprising the element in addition to A) in the case of A is non-existent； Also refer to alternatively (and alternatively wrap comprising more than one A and alternatively comprising more than one B in another embodiment Containing other elements) at least one etc..

It is to be further understood that opposite situation unless specifically indicated, herein required protection, include more than one In step or any method of action, the step of method or the step of the order of action is not necessarily limited to method or action is described Order.

The reference marker (if any) between claims bracket is appeared in provide only for convenient, and The property of should not be construed in any way.

Claims (29)

1. a kind of be used to produce the device for the recognizable light of beholder, described device includes：

Lighting module (100), it includes：

Produce the first illumination component of the first color of light；And

The second illumination component of the second color of light is produced,

Wherein described first color of light is visually distinct from second color of light；

Changeable surface (150), its electrically switchable between the first optical states and the second optical states is generally disposed at described Between beholder and the lighting module, wherein first optical states include substantially transparent state and second optics State includes substantially light-scattering state；And

Multiplex controller, itself and the lighting module and the changeable surface telecommunication are arranged to independent control First illumination component state, the second illumination component state and changeable surface state,

Wherein described multiplex controller can be used to switch the first illumination member in the case where being up at least 10Hz speed It is each in part state, the second illumination component state and the changeable surface state.

2. device according to claim 1, wherein first illumination component includes the first LED and second illumination Element includes the 2nd LED.

3. device according to claim 1, wherein the multiplex controller is arranged in the changeable table First illumination component is switched to the first luminance level and by described the while face is in second optical states Two illumination components are switched to the second luminance level, and will while the changeable surface is in first optical states Second illumination component is switched to first luminance level.

4. device according to claim 1, wherein the multiplex controller is arranged in the changeable table Face be in first optical states while open first illumination component and the second illumination component it is substantially similar first Duration, and open while the changeable surface is in second optical states first illumination component the Two duration.

5. device according to claim 1, wherein the changeable surface (1150) further comprises in first light Between state and second optical states first area (1101) of electrically switchable and first optical states with The second area (1102,1103,1104) of electrically switchable between second optical states, and wherein described first area and The second area is by the multiplex controller independent control.

6. a kind of be used to produce the device for the recognizable light of beholder, it includes：

Lighting module (810), it includes：

Produce the first illumination component of the first color of light；

Produce the second illumination component of the second color of light；And

The 3rd illumination component of the 3rd color of light is produced,

Wherein described first color of light, second color of light and the 3rd color of light are visually distinct from each other；

Second changeable surface (852), its electrically switchable between the first optical states and the second optical states is generally disposed at Between the beholder and the lighting module；And

First changeable surface (851), its electrically switchable between the first optical states and the second optical states is generally disposed at Between the second changeable surface and the lighting module；And

Multiplex controller, itself and the lighting module, the first changeable surface and the second changeable surface are electric Communication, is arranged to the first illumination component of independent control state, the second illumination component state, the 3rd illumination component state, the One changeable surface state and the second changeable surface state,

Wherein described multiplex controller is arranged to independently switch first photograph in the case where being up at least 10Hz speed Bright element state, the second illumination component state, the 3rd illumination component state, the first changeable surface state and It is each in the second changeable surface state.

7. device according to claim 6, wherein：

First optical states include substantially transparent state；And

Second optical states include substantially light-scattering state.

8. device according to claim 6, wherein：

First illumination component includes the first LED；

Second illumination component includes the 2nd LED；And

3rd illumination component includes the 3rd LED.

9. device according to claim 7, wherein the multiplex controller is arranged to cut described first Surface is changed to switch to scattering first color of light and the described second changeable surface is switched into scattering second color Light.

10. device according to claim 9, wherein the first changeable surface (851) generally surrounds the illumination Module (810), and the second changeable surface (852) generally surrounds the described first changeable surface.

11. a kind of be used to produce the lighting apparatus for the recognizable light of beholder, it includes：

Lighting module (1610)；

At least partly around the enclosing element of the lighting module, it includes：

The first of electrically switchable the changeable surface (1651-1654) between the first optical states and the second optical states；And

The second of electrically switchable the changeable surface (1654-1656) between the first optical states and the second optical states；And

Controller, itself and the lighting module, the first changeable surface and the second changeable surface telecommunication, by with Put for independent control lighting module illumination component state, the first changeable surface state and the second changeable surface state.

12. lighting apparatus according to claim 11, wherein：

First optical states include substantially transparent state；And

Second optical states include substantially light-scattering state.

13. lighting apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the first changeable surface (1901) generally surrounds institute Lighting module is stated, and the second changeable surface (1902) generally surrounds the described first changeable surface.

14. a kind of be used to control to include the method for controller, the first light source, secondary light source and the lighting apparatus on changeable surface, It comprises the following steps：

The changeable surface is periodically switched to the second optical states from the first optical states, wherein the switching has At most 100ms cycle；

First light source described in independent control switches during first optical states and/or second optical states；And

Secondary light source described in independent control switches during first optical states and/or second optical states.

15. method according to claim 14, wherein：

First optical states include substantially transparent state；And

Second optical states include substantially light-scattering state.

16. method according to claim 15, further comprises the steps：

During the cycle very first time, the changeable surface is switched to the scattering state, first light source is switched The second luminance level state is switched to the first luminance level state, and by the secondary light source；

During the second time cycle, the changeable surface is switched to the substantially transparent state, by first light source The second luminance level state is switched to, and the secondary light source is switched to the first luminance level state；And

The cycle very first time described in circulating repetition and the second time cycle.

17. method according to claim 16, further comprises image projection existing during the cycle very first time Step on the changeable surface.

18. one kind is used to control to include being arranged to the first light source of control, secondary light source, the 3rd light source, the first changeable table Face, the method for the lighting apparatus of the controller on the second changeable surface, it comprises the following steps：

Switch the described first changeable surface between the first optical states and the second optical states；

Switch the described second changeable surface between first optical states and second optical states；

Switch first light between the first luminance level state and the second luminance level state；

Switch the secondary light source between the first luminance level state and the second luminance level state；And

Switch the 3rd light source between the first luminance level state and the second luminance level state.

19. method according to claim 18, wherein：

First optical states include substantially transparent state；And

Second optical states include substantially light-scattering state.

20. method according to claim 19, further comprises the steps：

During the cycle very first time, the described first changeable surface is switched to the scattering state, described second can be cut Change surface and be switched to the substantially transparent state, first light source and the secondary light source are switched to the second brightness water Level state, and the 3rd light source is switched to the first luminance level state；

During the second time cycle, the described second changeable surface is switched to the scattering state, described first can be cut Change surface and be switched to the substantially transparent state, the 3rd light source and the secondary light source are switched to the second brightness water Level state, and first light source is switched to the first luminance level state；

During the 3rd time cycle, by the described first changeable surface and the second changeable surface be switched to it is described substantially Pellucidity, the second luminance level state is switched to by the 3rd light source and first light source, and by described Two light sources are switched to the first luminance level state；And

The cycle very first time, the second time cycle and the 3rd time cycle described in circulating repetition.

21. a kind of system for illuminating inner space, it includes：

Lighting module, it includes：

Produce the first illumination component of the first color of light；And

The second illumination component of the second color of light is produced,

Wherein described first color of light is visually distinct from second color of light；

Changeable surface, its electrically switchable between the first optical states and the second optical states is generally configured to leave described Lighting module, wherein the changeable surface is substantially irradiated by the lighting module；And

Multiplex controller, itself and the lighting module and the changeable surface telecommunication are arranged to independent control First illumination component state, the second illumination component state and changeable surface state,

Wherein described multiplex controller can be used to switch the first illumination member in the case where being up at least 10Hz speed It is each in part state, the second illumination component state and the changeable surface state.

22. system according to claim 21, wherein：

First optical states include substantially transparent state；And

Second optical states include substantially light-scattering state.

23. system according to claim 22, wherein the changeable surface includes window.

24. a kind of be used to produce the device for the recognizable light of beholder, including：

Lighting module (100), it includes：

Illumination component, is switchably configured to produce the first luminance level and the second luminance level；And

Wherein described first luminance level is visually distinct from second luminance level；

First changeable surface (150), its electrically switchable between the first optical states and the second optical states is generally disposed at Between the beholder and the lighting module；And

Multiplex controller, itself and the lighting module and the first changeable surface telecommunication are arranged to independence Illumination component state and the first changeable surface state are controlled,

Wherein described multiplex controller can be used to switch the illumination component shape in the case where being up at least 10Hz speed It is each in state and the first changeable surface state.

25. device according to claim 24, wherein：

First optical states include substantially transparent state；And

Second optical states include substantially light-scattering state.

26. device according to claim 24, wherein the illumination component includes LED.

27. device according to claim 25, wherein the first changeable surface (1150) further comprises described The first area (1101) of electrically switchable and in first optics between first optical states and second optical states The second area (1102,1103,1104) of electrically switchable between state and second optical states, and wherein described first Region and the second area are by the multiplex controller independent control.

28. device according to claim 25, further comprises the second changeable surface, wherein the multiplexing control Device is arranged to the described first changeable surface switching to scattering first luminance level and can cut described second Change surface and switch to scattering second luminance level.

29. device according to claim 28, wherein the first changeable surface (851) generally surrounds the illumination Element (810), and the second changeable surface (852) generally surrounds the described first changeable surface.